1. Factory Registration and License
Under the Factories Act, 1948, any unit employing 10 or more workers with power (or 20 or more without power) is legally required to obtain Factory Registration and a Factory License. This license ensures that the working conditions, safety measures, health protocols, and welfare facilities for workers meet the regulatory standards enforced by the State Government. The application must be filed with the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) before operations begin. Inspections are conducted prior to granting the license, making it a non-negotiable approval for all industrial establishments.
2. Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from State Pollution Control Board
For environmental compliance, a new plant must obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) before setting up and Consent to Operate (CTO) before launching operations from the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB). These approvals ensure that the factory’s emissions, effluents, and waste management practices are within permissible environmental standards. Failure to obtain these consents can lead to heavy fines or cancellation of operations under the Water and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts.
3. Building Plan Approval and Fire NOC
Before constructing any factory premises, building plan approval must be obtained from the local municipal authority or industrial area development authority. Alongside this, factories must secure a Fire NOC from the Fire Department, which verifies that the premises follow essential fire safety norms like fire exits, extinguishers, hydrant systems, and alarms. These approvals are not just legal mandates but also critical for worker safety and insurance compliance.
4. Electricity Connection and Electrical Safety Approval
Power is the backbone of any manufacturing plant. Obtaining an electricity connection from the State Electricity Board is a basic necessity. However, equally important is securing Electrical Safety Approval from the Chief Electrical Inspector’s Office to ensure that the installed electrical infrastructure meets safety standards. This approval is especially vital for plants with high power consumption or operating in hazardous industries.
5. Trade License or Business License from Local Authorities
Even though a factory may operate under industrial licenses, it must also obtain a Trade License or Local Business License from the municipal corporation or relevant local authority. This license validates that the factory is operating legally within a designated commercial or industrial zone and complies with local business laws, taxes, and operational guidelines.
How Agile Regulatory Helps
Navigating multiple departments, preparing documentation, coordinating inspections, and keeping up with state-specific rules can be time-consuming and confusing for manufacturers. Agile Regulatory simplifies this journey by offering end-to-end consulting and licensing services for setting up manufacturing plants across India. From Factory Registration and Pollution Board Approvals to Fire NOC and Local Business Licenses, our experts manage the complete process so that business owners can focus on building and scaling their operations. With years of experience and a pan-India network, Agile Regulatory ensures timely approvals, reduced risk, and smooth industrial compliance—making your plant setup journey faster and stress-free.
